France commits full annual CAESAR howitzer output to Ukraine
The President of France announced the delivery of the annual production of CAESAR howitzers to Ukraine, significantly enhancing Ukraine's ability to combat Russia.
Emmanuel Macron stated during a speech on the TV program TF1 that France would bolster Ukraine with its artillery production capabilities. This involves directing the entire annual production of CAESARs to meet Ukraine’s needs.
The Nexter group was anticipated to reach a monthly production rate of up to 12 CAESAR howitzers in 2024, which translates to a maximum of 144 units per year, assuming funding is available for all units. Some funding comes from France, while the rest is from an international coalition or Ukraine.
CAESAR — a simple howitzer from France with great potential
The CAESAR howitzers, with the full name CAmion Équipé d'un Système d'ARtillerie—loosely translated as "artillery system mounted on a truck"—were developed in the 1990s as a cost-effective alternative to the F3 howitzers.
This resulted in a modern NATO artillery system of 155 mm calibre mounted on a six-wheeled military truck like the Renault Sherpa 10 or Unimog, which provides low operational costs. This concept gained international recognition, leading to numerous orders. CAESAR has proven effective in low-intensity regional conflicts. Its weight of about 18 metric tonnes (equivalent to 20 tons) allows easy air transport.
Huge range, but also fragility
CAESAR can engage targets at distances of 48-60 kilometres (30-37 miles) using rocket-assisted rounds or 29 kilometres (18 miles) with the most affordable rounds. Additionally, it can fire experimental Vulcano GLR rounds with a range of up to 80 kilometres (50 miles). Bonus self-propelled shells make CAESAR an effective tank hunter.
The system boasts a firing rate of up to 6 rounds per minute and the ability to fire in MRSI (Multiple Rounds Simultaneous Impact) mode. CAESAR can occupy or vacate a firing position in under a minute, making it highly valued in Ukraine.
Despite numerous advantages, CAESAR also has its drawbacks. The cabin is unarmored in the 6x6 version (with optional armour protection) and reinforced in the heavier 8x8 version. Ukraine has demonstrated that wheeled traction is less effective in rugged terrain than tracked traction. Additionally, the wiring insulation in some units is made from corn fibre, which attracts mice.
